CARE Team

Why is CARE Necessary?

In the wake of increasing campus violence, colleges and universities across the U.S. have placed greater emphasis on ensuring the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Updates to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) now allow administrators more flexibility in disclosing student information during emergencies to address health and safety concerns. These changes, reinforced by recent incidents, highlight the ongoing need for proactive safety measures and crisis response protocols in higher education. According to the *National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021, U.S. campuses reported over 28,000 criminal incidents, underscoring the importance of these efforts.

BCCC understands the climate that exists on college campuses. In response, BCCC has established the CARE team to serve as an additional measure for campus safety. It must be understood, however, that even with the best intentions, situations may arise that are unforeseen by any member of the college community. CARE will operate in some instances with very limited information while exercising due diligence to protect the community college and the individual.

Campus Members' Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of faculty, staff, and students to immediately report any situation that could possibly result in harm to anyone at the college. These reports may be directed to the CARE Team or the Counseling Department. If there is an active or immediate risk of violence to self or others contact 911 or the BCCC Police Department at 252-943-8721.

How do I Submit a CARE Referral?

Follow the link on the right to access the online CARE referral. Reports may be made anonymously.

Individuals may also call a CARE team member (listed on the right) directly and submit a verbal report. Simply tell the team member what you observed or heard and explain why this concerns you.

What Types of Behaviors Should be Reported?

Please note: this list is not all-inclusive. Please report any behaviors that concern you.

• Any concerning behaviors
• Violent fantasy content
• Anger problems
• Fascination with weapons
• Stalking
• Non-compliance of disciplinary matters
• Interest in previous shooting situations
• Victim/martyr self-concept
• Strangeness and abnormal behavior
• Paranoia
• Violence and cruelty
• Acting out
• Recent police contact
• Mental health history related to violence
• Unusual interest in police, military, terrorist activities and materials
• Anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed
• Speaking or writing that seems bizarre
• Loner/withdrawn
• Expressionless face/flat affect
• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• Suicide ideation